Mip Policies

At this unprecedented time of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy is committed to help our trainees to continue to service their clients and to support them through these challenging times.

In order to help our trainees be the most competent they can be at this particular time of new challenges and uncertainties, we have put together MIP policies with regards to trainees at MIP throughout the Covid-19 challenges.

The UKCP, of which we are an accredited training organisation, have asked us to ensure that trainees have reviewed guidance in relation to remote working.

They have not said that trainees may not work remotely, or stipulated any training guidelines other than to emphasise that the Code of Ethics & Professional Practice must be adhered to, irrespective of whether clients are seen in person, online or otherwise.

The parts of the Code which apply most here are those which relate to changes in the contract and competence of trainees.

* Confirm each client’s consent with the specifics of the service you will offer through a clear contracting process at the outset of therapy.

* Ensure that your professional work is adequately covered by appropriate indemnity insurance or by your employer’s indemnity arrangements.

* Respect, protect and preserve client confidentiality.

* Understand the limits of your competence and stay within them in all your professional activity.

Training Requirements

The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy has required all trainees who are working online or remotely to have some training with regards to working online therapeutically.

In order that we can see that people have had training in online work, we have implemented MIP training in this particular sector. We have emailed all trainees who work in this area to attend our ADL training in this above area. This is not a recommendation, it is mandatory. We also recognise that there have appeared online in direct response to the Covid-19 crisis free webinars that have been delivered by the BACP and other regulating bodies. We have emailed trainees with this information.

Manchester Institute’s approach is as follows:

* As said above, MIP trainees working with clients, whether through placements or privately, will be required to attend the one day’s ADL training that we have implemented on working therapeutically online.

* Throughout the training at MIP, we will be asking our trainers to include information and teaching on ethics and safeguarding, as well as practice, with regards to online therapeutic work.

* It is imperative that trainees working online take this to their supervisor and arrange at least one extra hour on online supervision if it has not already been included in supervision and MIP training.

* MIP will be sending a form for supervisors to fill in which confirms the competency for their trainees in online work. This will mean that the supervisors will have a part to play in assessing trainees’ competency for remote therapy.

* The UKCP has recommended that you do not take on new clients online. After discussions with other training centres, we have decided to take “a softer approach” with this because we trust you, with support from your supervisors and MIP, to work within your competency. To this end, MIP will be in regular touch with your supervisors to evidence and support this approach.

FRAMEWORK FOR REMOTE AND ONLINE THERAPEUTIC WORK RE. COVID-19

This framework/information below is intended to support you if you need to work online/remotely for the period of the Covid-19 emergency where there is the possibility that therapists or clients need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 measures. The information has been put forward assuming that you may need to work with existing clients for an online duration where face to face contact is not possible, and that you are not experienced, or have little experience, in online therapeutic work. The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy is putting on extensive ADL training in working online – see email re Susie Hewitt’s training day. Also, you should be having some training from your supervisor with regards to remote and online context.

With regards to placements, and I understand that a number of you will be having your placements at MIP, that the mandatory training by Susie Hewitt and the recommendations from your supervisor will help and support you in the transition from face to face work to online work.

Before agreeing to online or telephone work:

* Discuss your plans with your supervisor

* Check what options you are realistically able to offer

* Check what options are practically possible for the client

* Assure the client that they can choose to discontinue until face to face can be resumed. They do not need to agree to work online or by telephone.

* Clients should not be charged for missing sessions if they decline alternative arrangements that you offer.

* Make sure that you and your client’s internet are up to scratch, and that your client has downloaded the medium that you are going to work therapeutically on.

* Check that your insurance will cover you for remote working.

* Talk through any anxieties that your client may have in moving from face to face to remote/online working.

* Clients need to be assured and reassured that confidentiality will be maintained and is the highest priority throughout the work with this new medium.

* It is important that the medium you both use is safe and encrypted.

Refocussing/Recontracting

In the transition from face to face work to online work, you may need to refocus on what you have already done therapeutically in the face to face sessions and whether this is going to continue whilst you are on the new medium or perhaps establish a new contract for the present period of online working.

In the first session in the first medium, whether on the telephone or online, the contract and frame will be renegotiated. As said above, not just therapeutically but certainly practically.

* Will you have a trial period to try different mediums, ie telephone versus video/zoom?

* What happens if the technology fails?

* Does your practical contract that you will have established on the face to face relationship still “hold water” for the new way of working?

* Do arrangements for payments for absences need to be renegotiated.

* Who will set up the meetings.

* As said above, you will need to have an initial discussion around client/therapist anxieties using this new medium.

Confidentiality and Boundaries

This needs to be talked about at the onset of the telephone or online therapy as there may be some differences with regards to specifically boundaries. For example, you will need to talk through with your clients that they have a safe place to work from, and that they are not going to be disturbed within the “therapeutic hour”. This is vitally important as the client may have other distractions such as children and other considerations to be taken into account.

With reference to confidentiality, the space needs to be an acquired private space that they can use where they can’t be heard or interrupted.

Telephone Technique

If you are going to have telephone counselling/therapy you will need to use reflection and verbal encouragements more than in a face to face session to maintain a sense of connection, and to convey that they client is being heard given there will be no visual clues like nodding your head etc. If this medium is new to you, please talk about technique and communication style with your supervisor or indeed take some time in training for this to be discussed.

Risk

It is always a good idea when working with this new medium to review your risk assessment and consider if there are any risk factors that would be increased and to take this to supervision. Please remember the usual protocols still apply in this context, ie your safeguarding policies.

If you do plan to be working remotely, be clear about the limits on what you can provide. Review the information required for you to ensure appropriate support if a crisis occurs. Make sure you have their current GP details/postal address and telephone number. As said above, the usual protocols on safeguarding are the same whether it’s face to face or working remotely. You will still need to have, for example, access to information about sources of emergency support in their area etc.

Similar to working face to face, if you have any doubts about your client’s safety, for example they may disclose they feel suicidal, then it is important to contact your supervisor immediately and to discuss the safeguarding management of your client.

Acknowledgements

This information/guidance draws on documents drawn up by Adrienne Lee of the Berne Institute, Tree Staunton of BCPC, and Lizzie Wright of the Minster Centre. If you wish to have more information with regards to remote and online working please go to the UKCP and/or BACP websites.

This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly as necessary

Bob Cooke

Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy

9.4.2020

Dual Relationship Policy

By Bob Cooke

Dual relationships are those in which the Psychotherapist is acting in at least one other role besides their professional one with a client or student. For example, being both tutor and therapist to a student, or a therapist having a relationship with a client or student. Such relationships raise serious questions of conflswict of interest, power imbalance, harassment and issues concerning trust and confidence. For this reason, MIP requires that with regards to all aspects of psychotherapy practice, including training contexts, dual relationships are prohibited.

In certain circumstances, e.g. visiting trainers running a group where their client is attending; or, dual relationships between committee members and clients, these will require a level of mutual consent in terms of how this is managed.

The Humanistic and Integrative Section of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, articulate the following reasons for separating out the psychotherapeutic relationship from other relationships, these reasons are supported by MIP:

To prevent an undermining of the power and self-authority of the client through a disproportionate balance of power in the relationship due to the therapist also being the client’s trainer/supervisor/examiner which could, in extreme circumstances lead to a potential abuse of power on the part of the therapist.

To provides a clear boundary around the client/therapist relationship with the purpose of protecting the possibility for in-depth relationship work, and to help provide safe conditions for working with transferential and subtle energetic material within the field of the relationship.

To protect the therapeutic relationship from unnecessary pressure, demand and influence caused by the tension inherent in holding two or more roles which involve different tasks.

To protect the integrity of the discreet relationships involved.

To encourage authenticity and appropriate challenge in each domain of training, supervision, examination and the psychotherapeutic relationship.

To provide clarity when working with relationships and tasks which are intrinsically interrelated and potentially capable of becoming confused and /or enmeshed (for example, there are supervision processes implicitly present within trainer/trainee relationship).

To encourage commitment and integrity in trainers, supervisors, examiners and therapists by their taking responsibility for their own relationship and the power of their position.

Such relationships carry the risk of deleterious consequences for both parties, including the impairment of professional judgement for the therapist, tutor or supervisor.

Where a therapist, tutor or supervisor at MIP is found to be conducting a dual relationship with a client or student the case will be dealt with using the complaints procedure for professional misconduct.

Where a complaint is upheld, the therapist’s/tutor’s/supervisor’s membership from MIP may be suspended or withdrawn, and UKCP informed.

This policy will be reviewed every 18 months

Last revised November 2020

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR TRAINERS AND TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS

By Bob Cooke

This document should be read in conjunction with the UKATA Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, The Code of Ethics of the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy and the requirements of the course programme in which a student trainee is engaged.

“UKCP” means United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.

The Code is to be read and interpreted in conjunction with other UKATA Policies.
OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Code are:

2.1 To promote excellence in TA training, and to ensure that TA psychotherapy training is delivered to high professional standards.

2.2 To provide RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees with a code of practice within which to operate professionally and in accordance with the requirements of UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) as may be imposed upon them individually or collectively, from time to time.
Code of Practice for Psychotherapy Trainers and Training Establishments

INTERPRETATION

3.1 In this document (including the heading) the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings:

“BACP” means the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

“Code” means this Code of Practice for Psychotherapy Trainers & Training Establishments (as hereinafter defined) and any subsequent variations and/or amendments hereto, issued by Training Standards Committee.

“Contractual Trainee” means a Trainee who has entered into an EATA CTA training contract.

“COSCA” means Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland, a Company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland.

“CPD” means Continuing Professional Development required by EATA/UKCP(HIPS)/UKATA to be undertaken by qualified members.

“CTA” means a Certified Transactional Analyst with Psychotherapy speciality and registered as such with UKATA.

“EATA” means the European Association for Transactional Analysis.

“EC” means the Ethics Committee of UKATA.

“HIPS” means the Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy Section of UKCP.

“UKATA” means the United Kingdom Association of Transactional Analysis.

“UKATA Administrator” means the person appointed by UKATA responsible for running the day- to- day administration of UKATA.

“Monitoring Documents” means (i) Monitoring of RTEs issued by TSC and (ii) the Monitoring Checklist used by TSC

“Principal Supervisor” means a P/TSTA with whom a Contractual Trainee enters into an EATA training contract.

“PPC” means the Professional Practice Committee of UKATA.

“PTP” means a full programme of psychotherapy training leading to qualification of CTA and registration with UKCP(HIPS).

“PTSTA(P)” means a Provisional Teaching and/or Supervising Transactional Analyst with Psychotherapy speciality registered with UKATA.

“Registered Trainee” means a Contractual Trainee who is listed in the UKATA Register of practitioners.

“Registration Policy” means the Registration Policy Document of UKATA

“RTE” means a Registered Training Establishment(s) as more fully defined in the Registration Policy.

“ITAR” means UKATA representative of the Training Establishment

“Supervisor” means an individual who provides supervision.

“TA” means Transactional Analysis.

“Trainee” means an individual undertaking TA training within an RTE.

“Trainer” means an individual qualified and endorsed by EATA to provide TA training.

“TSC” means the Training Standards Committee of UKATA.

“TSTA(P)” means a Teaching and/or Supervising Transactional Analyst with Psychotherapy speciality registered with UKATA.

3.3 To set out the respective roles and responsibilities of TSC, RTEs, ITARs, Trainers, Principal Supervisor, Supervisors and Trainees in accordance with the requirements of UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) as may be imposed upon them individually or collectively, from time to time.

3.4 To ensure that the international standards of training set out and amended, from time to time, by EATA, are maintained by all RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees at all times in the UK.

3.5 To ensure that the UK national standards of training set and amended from time to time by UKCP (HIPS), are maintained by all RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees at all times.

3.6 To ensure that members of the public seeking training in TA are as fully informed as possible of the procedures, commitment and qualifications required in order to undertake TA training as a psychotherapist.

3.7 To ensure, as far as possible, that (i) the high standards of excellence currently existing in TA training and practice are maintained, updated and improved in accordance with the requirements from time to time, imposed by UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) and (ii) Trainees are appropriately prepared to provide services with a reasonable level of professional competence.

3.8 To ensure that all necessary and relevant statutory requirements that may be imposed from time to time, on RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees are complied with.

3.9 To ensure that all necessary and relevant additional requirements imposed on RTEs, ITARs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees involved in TA training by UKATA, EATA, UKCP (HIPS), other applicable professional bodies and academic institutions are, where appropriate, complied with.

3.10 The interpretation and monitoring of the implementation of the Code shall be the responsibility of TSC

4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF RTEs.

The responsibilities of RTEs shall include, but are not limited to the following:

4.1 To adhere to and disseminate current UKATA Codes and Policies

4.2 To set out a clear statement of its overarching philosophy and policies pertaining to the provision of TA training.

4.3 To provide a clear statement of the nature, goals, educational aims and objectives and requirements of all TA Psychotherapy Training Programmes being delivered by the RTE.

4.4 To provide all Trainees with a clear written administrative contract including (i) details of fees for the Psychotherapy Training Programme and all ancillary costs for each stage of the training (in order to ensure the Trainee is aware of the level of financial and personal commitment involved) and (ii) a statement outlining the obligations of the RTE to use all reasonable endeavours to assist Trainees in finding suitable alternative TA training in the event of the RTE ceasing to offer and provide a training programme leading to CTA qualification

4.5 To provide a clear written statement setting out the relevant qualifications and experience of all Trainers, Principal Supervisors and Supervisors (and where appropriate, other staff) providing TA training.

4.6 To comply with any and all other requirements, recommendations and sanctions imposed on RTEs from time to time, in writing by TSC by a specific complaint and appeal process and endorsed by UKATA Council in so far as these relate to the provision of TA training.

4.7 All psychotherapy training courses that lead to the qualification of CTA and registration with UKCP (HIPS) will be provided by UKATA Registered Training Establishments and will comply with UKCP (HIPS) training requirements.

4.8 To provide a clear written statement of (i) the content (ii) objectives and (iii) methodology and assessment criteria for all Psychotherapy Training Programmes.

4.9 To provide a clear written statement of the level of confidentiality to be maintained by the RTE in order to protect Trainees’ personal and professional details and material and to ensure all staff, including Trainers, adhere to the level of confidentiality imposed. This includes a statement regarding the level of communication between the Trainee’s Supervisor and the relevant RTE. The handling of Trainee files and written work must be in compliance with the current Data Protection Act.

4.10 To provide a clear written statement setting out the requirement for Trainees to enter into (i) supervision with an appropriate supervisor and (ii) personal therapy with an appropriate psychotherapist in order to comply with the requirements of UKCP (HIPS) and the level of confidentiality to be maintained between the RTE, Trainer, Principal Supervisor, Supervisor and Trainee at all times.

4.11 RTEs are to make Trainees aware of the current requirements for membership of UKATA.

4.12 RTEs will annually submit at the start of the training year a list of their Trainees to the UKATA Administrator for cross-checking of the membership status of Trainees and to enable UKATA to maintain accurate records.

4.13 RTEs will comply with any sanction(s) imposed by TSC and endorsed by UKATA Council after due process.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRAINERS
The responsibilities of Trainers shall include but are not limited to the following:

5.1 To ensure that they are at all times, informed of and compliant with all requirements of UKATA, EATA and UKCP (HIPS), as may be amended from time to time for the provision of TA training.

5.2 To ensure that all training delivered which leads to CTA with psychotherapy speciality is delivered at post graduate level in accordance with UKCP (HIPS) requirements.

5.3 To ensure that all training delivered promotes equality of opportunity in accordance with the equal opportunities policy of the UKATA and RTEs.

5.4 To undertake a programme of CPD to ensure maintenance and development of skills and knowledge in their work and to adhere to the current UKATA CPD policy.

5.5 All Trainers must have regular appropriate supervision of their training and supervision practice.

5.6 Trainers will comply with any sanction(s) imposed by TSC and endorsed by UKATA Council after due process.

5.7 Trainers will adhere to the level of confidentiality imposed by the RTE in respect of Trainee information and any other additional levels of confidentiality imposed by RTEs regarding its training courses and/or programmes.

6. RESPONSIBILITY OF SUPERVISORS
The responsibility of Supervisors shall include but are not limited to the following:

6.1 To ensure that they provide supervision which promotes the professional development of their supervisees, in accordance with EATA and UKCP (HIPS) standards.

6.2 To undertake a programme of CPD to ensure maintenance and development of skills and knowledge in their work and to adhere to the current UKATA CPD policy.

7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRINCIPAL SUPERVISORS
The responsibilities of Principal Supervisors shall include but are not limited to the following:

7.1 Ensuring candidates for CTA and UKCP registration are fully aware of and compliant with training standards and requirements of EATA and UKCP(HIPS)

7.2 Certifying that all candidates applying for CTA qualification and UKCP registration have completed all training standards and requirements of EATA and UKCP(HIPS) and are of sufficient personal readiness.

7.3 The overarching responsibility of the Principal Supervisor is to monitor, sponsor and support a Contractual Trainee through training and preparation for CTA examination and to maintain an overview of the Contractual Trainee’s professional progress.

7.4 In the event of the Principal Supervisor being unable to fulfil any or all of the above foregoing requirements in respect of any or all Contractual Trainees they will ensure that suitable alternative arrangements are made for the transfer and continued support of the Contractual Trainees.

8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRAINEES
The responsibilities of Trainees shall include but are not limited to the following:

8.1 To comply with the requirements of the TA Psychotherapy Training Programme and all conditions pertaining thereto as advised by the RTE providing the same.

8.2 To adhere to the current membership requirements of UKATA.

8.3 Trainees undergoing training leading to CTA with Psychotherapy speciality are also required to comply with any additional requirements as determined by UKCP (HIPS). It is the responsibility of the Trainee, on receipt of all relevant information from the RTE to ensure they implement or undertake the training requirements.

9. REQUIREMENTS FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY TRAINING PROGRAMMES
9.1 All Psychotherapy Training Programmes provided by RTEs must comply with the current training requirements, as advised by TSC on behalf of UKATA and which may be amended from time to time by UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS).

9.2 RTEs shall provide clear written details of the entry requirements for all Psychotherapy Training Programmes provided by them.

9.3 RTEs shall provide a clear written statement regarding routes of progression through the course and a policy regarding suspension or termination of training.

9.4 Entry to all Psychotherapy Training Programmes shall require at least one of the following (i) post-graduate level of competence i.e. prior degree; (ii) a suitable counselling qualification; (iii) a qualification in a relevant profession; (iv) suitable and relevant life experience or (v) a combination of all or any of the foregoing.

9.5 In addition to the requirements of the foregoing, all potential Trainees should have relevant experience of working in a responsible capacity, and with people.

9.6 Prior to the commencement of the Psychotherapy Training Programme, the RTE shall provide all Trainees with a training manual or handbook including, but not limited to, information on the following:
9.6.1 The assessment criteria and the process(es) for implementation thereof;
9.6.2 Any additional evaluation process(es) applicable;
9.6.3 Possible academic qualifications;
9.6.4 Possible relevant accrediting and registering bodies such as EATA, UKCP, BACP, COSCA;
9.6.5 Any subsidiary or additional qualification offered by the RTE for the Psychotherapy Training Programme, the route to certification and/or accreditation and details of the relevant accrediting body.

9.7 RTEs will comply with any sanction(s) as imposed by TSC and endorsed by UKATA Council after due process.

9.8 Accreditation and Registration
9.8.1 In addition to the above conditions in order for a Trainee to proceed to accreditation and registration with all or any of the following – UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) and in addition to meeting the necessary requirements of each of these bodies, Trainees pursuing CTA with Psychotherapy speciality shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Principal Supervisor that:
9.8.1.1 They have met with all specific training, supervision and personal psychotherapy requirements of UKCP (HIPS).
9.8.2 In order for Trainees to qualify as a CTA with Psychotherapy speciality and be accredited as such by EATA and registered with UKCP (HIPS) the Trainee shall meet all the UK national training requirements of both organisations.

10. THE ROLE OF TSC
The role of TSC shall include but is not limited to the following:

10.1 To provide copies of UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) training requirements in response to written requests for the same.

10.2 To oversee the register of RTEs as provided for in the Registration Policy.

10.3 To establish a monitoring and evaluation function in respect of TA training provided by RTEs, ITARs and Trainers in accordance with the provisions of the Monitoring Documents.

10.4 To decide and impose sanctions after due process on RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors and Trainees where relevant in the event of their failing to implement their responsibilities in terms of the Code, the Monitoring Documents and the Registration Policy and in any other relevant situation which, in the opinion of TSC, merits sanction.

11. COMPLAINTS

11.1 Any complaints or correspondence concerning the Code should be sent to the Chair of UKATA TSC c/o UKATA Administrator.

11.2 Complaints or alleged breaches of the Code will be dealt with according to the procedures outlined in the UKATA registration Policy document.

JURISDICTION

1.1 Trainer refers to all Teaching Members, Associate Teaching Members and tutors of MIP and any other person engaged by MIP to teach theory and practice on any of the Institute’s courses. Trainee refers to trainee Members of MIP who are engaged in learning on one or more of the Institute’s courses and have signed an agreement to abide by the MIP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

2.INTENTION

2.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy endeavour to conduct it’s training in such a way as to address the needs and best interests of it’s trainees. Trainees are in turn required to act in the best interests of their clients and abide by the training and ethical requirements of the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.

3. PRE-COURSE INFORMATION

3.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will inform all prospective trainees of the nature and requirements of the course/s for which they may make application. This information will include course philosophy, objectives, assessment criteria and requirements for satisfactory completion.

4. TEACHING

4.1 The detailed syllabus, objectives, methodology and assessment criteria for each of the Institute’s validated courses will be clearly set out and given to all trainees at commencement of the course.

4.2 All tutors/trainers will be governed by the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice of the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.

4.3 Tutors/Trainers will respect the diversity of trainees and not discriminate on any grounds of difference such as gender, race, culture, age, disability, social background, political or religious beliefs.

4.4 Trainees must be aware of their own internalised oppression and pay particular attention to how this may affect their training practice.

4.5 Tutors/ Trainers will not exploit their students sexually or financially.

4.6 Dismissive or arrogant remarks or any derogation by innuendo by a Trainer about another Trainer is unprofessional. A Trainer should not collude through silence or evasion, with the abusive behaviour of a fellow Trainer.

5. CLINICAL PRACTICE

5.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will consider the interests of clients and trainees in establishing the clinical requirements of the training course/s, which will be clearly set out at the outset of the training.

5.2 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will help and assist trainees to make client’s interest paramount and to maintain appropriate confidentiality.

5.3 Trainees` work with clients presented for training purposes will be clinically supervised.

6. PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL INVOLVEMENT

6.1 All prospective trainees will be clearly informed of the financial requirements of the course.

6.2 The degree of confidentiality will be clear. There will be safeguards to protect the confidentiality of trainees` personal material which must include storage in a metal (locked) filing cabinet.

6.3 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will exercise responsibility and demonstrate a reasonable respect for existing arrangements when introducing changes to its course requirements.

6.4 All responsibilities of cost and fees will be explicit at the outset of training.

7. SUPERVISION

7.1 All Supervisors approved by the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will have completed a creditable training course in Clinical Supervision or be recognised as competent by virtue of reputation and standing within the professional community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

7.2 All Supervisors approved by the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will adhere to a Code of Ethics compatible with the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice of the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.

7.3 A Primary Programme Tutor who has a responsibility for the trainee’s ongoing training and clinical practice must be satisfied that supervision is established when the trainee begins work with clients. Trainees are responsible for arranging their supervision with supervisors approved by the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.

7.4 It is the responsibility of the Course Assessment Board to determine, after due consideration, the ability and suitability of a trainee to continue on one of the Institute’s training courses, unless a trainee has acted in such a way as to breach the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice of MIP. In this event the complaints procedure may be initiated and may lead to suspension or termination of training.

7.5 Trainers and supervisors may consult each other about a trainee’s professional development. Such consultation shall be in the interests of a trainee’s professional development and not be trivialising or gossip.

7.6 General discussion of training issues among trainers and supervisors is acceptable but trainees should not be named.

7.7 It is the responsibility of the Primary Programme tutor to make recommendations to the Course Assessment Board about the suitability of a trainee to continue training, except in cases of unethical or unprofessional behaviour when the Quality & Equality Committee may recommend to the Board of Directors of MIP suspension or termination. The decision of the Board is final.

8. ASSESSMENT

8.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will publish the criteria and process of assessment for all it’s validated training courses, including it’s examination procedures.

8.2 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will endeavour to keep the examination processes as clear as possible. Specifically, all assessors/ examiners must complete a written evaluation of the candidate’s work which will be made available to the candidate.

9. BOUNDARIES

9.1 Trainers are responsible for establishing and maintaining the boundaries between a professional relationship with a trainee and other relationships that may pre-date the trainee’s commencement of training.

9.2 Trainers who are centrally involved in Institute’s training programme should not assume the additional role of therapist to any trainee enrolled on that programme.

9.3 Trainers should not be dependant on their relationships with trainees for emotional wellbeing.

9.4 Any new relationship arising as a result of a workshop facilitated by a visiting, external trainer, must respect those relationships which are already in place, and should clearly be judged by the Course Leader to be helpful to the trainees` professional development.

9.5 Sexual relationships between members of a Training Group itself adversely affect the Training Group. Trainees are required to monitor their relationships with each other with due regard to the heightened emotional vulnerability that is likely to occur during training workshops.

9.6 Trainers should explain to new trainees that personal therapy and work on personal issues unrelated to the Training Group are not the primary purpose of training.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

10.1 MIP Trainers will protect the confidentiality of trainees` personal material by not disclosing personal and private information without consent, and by keeping records in a locked metal filing cabinet.

10.2 Trainer and trainees will establish a clear contract with regard to their mutual responsibilities with regard to confidentiality. Such contract will be compatible with the UKCP/MIP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (see UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Records and Confidentiality 18).

10.3 Trainers should make explicit to trainees the exceptional circumstances when confidentiality may be broken, ensuring there is a distinction between information pertaining to the training group and an individual’s private and personal information.

11. COMPETENCE

11.1 Trainers should be committed to their own personal and professional development.

11.2 Trainers should monitor their work via appropriate levels of supervision and consultation.

11.3 Trainers should work within the limits of their knowledge, skills and health.

11.4 Trainers should develop their cultural education in order to encourage and appreciate a wide spectrum of differences in their trainees.

11.5 Trainers should be committed to developing their capacity for self awareness, especially with regard to prejudices, so that they become increasingly able to value difference and diversity.

12. COMPLAINTS

12.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy has an established and published Complaints Procedure, that is subject to periodic review by the Quality and Ethics Committee.

This policy will be reviewed regularly every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months

Reviewed November 2019

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

By Bob Cooke

Introduction

The aim of this document is to clarify MIP’s position in regard to the use of social media and offer guidance for using social media responsibly. It aims to provide a guide for trainees, staff and members and is written in line with UKATA’s Code of Ethics & Requirements and Recommendations for Professional Practice. Many more practitioners are using the internet, social networking sites and blogs to communicate – both personally and professionally. Members should be aware that these internet/social networking sites are public and permanent. Once something has been uploaded or posted, it is still possible to trace it or be saved by others, even if it is subsequently deleted.

Keeping Boundaries

The nature of an online presence has the potential to blur personal and professional boundaries. MIP requires that practitioners make a clear distinction between their online personal and professional presence, with regard to emails, websites and social media accounts i.e. Facebook. We require members to have a separate email address for personal and professional use and that all possible steps are taken to ensure conﬁdentiality of professional emails. In particular, members are required not to use any joint email address with partner/other family member for professional purposes. It is important that if one email programme is used to collect emails from a variety of different accounts, e.g. Outlook, that it is not jointly used by a partner/other family member and is password protected. Where conﬁdential documents are sent electronically they must have password or other forms of protection against being opened or tampered with by a third party. Smartphones and tablets that are synchronised with a main computer need to be protected from being accessed by a partner/other family member. If computers are used by people other than the practitioner then all conﬁdential, professional material needs to be password protected. Practitioners will have up to date antivirus and antiphishing protection and be registered under the Data Protection Act.

Privacy

Members are strongly advised to protect their own privacy. This means regularly checking your privacy settings as well as choosing carefully the information you make available online. Be aware that comments or images posted by friends or family may be accessible as their privacy settings may not be set as rigorously as your own. Pictures of you taken by other people may be tagged and it is recommended that you monitor this as much as possible and request people untag any inappropriate images. Members need to be aware that most search engines will guide members of the public to any sites that could have personal information posted about them. Members are also reminded that when social media sites update their services, sometimes the privacy settings are automatically reset to a default setting. It is incumbent upon members to be vigilant about this.

Professional Conduct

However you identify yourself on your professional account (e.g. student/contractual trainee/UKCP etc.) you are required to act professionally at all times and be guided by the MIP Code of Ethics and Requirements and Recommendations of Professional Practice. When members are involved in social networking sites they may inadvertently become involved in ethically questionable conversations. If this occurs members are required to act according to our ethical guidelines (e.g. withdraw, seek supervision or confront).

In particular, MEMBERS MUST NOT:

* Establish online relationships which in any way compromise their professional relationship with clients and service users.

* Accept friend requests from clients or service users, and to decline this request using formal means of communication.

* Discuss clinical work or work-related issues online in any non-secure medium.

* Publish pictures of clients, trainees, supervisees or other service users online without their permission.

* Post defamatory comments about individuals or institutions. This applies to all comments made on personal or professional accounts. Defamation law applies to any comments posted on the internet.

* Use social-networking sites/internet/blogs for raising professional and/or ethical concerns or whistle-blowing. See next section for more details.

Professional Misconduct

The MIP Code of Ethics outlines our guiding principles, one of which is open communication with colleagues as well as clients. Members are required to confront any misconduct of other members on social networking sites either directly and formally with their colleagues, or as guided under the “Reporting Possible Violations” section of the Code.

Last Reviewed and Revised April 2020

This policy is regularly reviewed every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months as necessary.

Code of Ethics for Trainers

By Bob Cooke

The aim is to establish and maintain standards for trainers working at MIP or in the service of MIP.

Also, to inform and offer protection to the public who attend training or are seeking to train at MIP.

Trainers should recognise the integrity, role and value of trainees, with regard to issues of race, origin, status, gender beliefs, sexual orientation and any other diversity aspect.

Trainers are responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries between themselves and trainees, so that professional relationships are not confused with other relationships.

Trainers need to respect and adhere to the dual relationships section within the UKCP/MIP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice policy, ie not to work therapeutically with clients who they are actively involved with in a substantial training role.

For example – former trainees must not be accepted as therapeutic clients until a period of six months has passed for reflection and after consultation with a supervisor.

Trainers will ensure that every student has access to the course handbook, every MIP Policy and Procedure together with other relevant training manuals.

Trainers will not exploit their status, financially or sexually.

Trainers are expected to be members of MIP and to adhere to the UKCP/MIP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, as well as MIP’s Complaints Procedure in cases of alleged ethical misconduct.

This policy will be reviewed every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months.

Reviewed August 2019

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